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Baptist Minister Snared In Central Texas Internet Sex Sting Save Email Print
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(May 16, 2008)—A minister who counseled adults at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano is among those snared in a sting in Bryan that targeted online sexual predators.

Police say Joe Barron, 53, drove more than three hours from Plano to Bryan to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old girl he had met over the Internet.

The girl was actually a Bryan police officer.

A Bryan police statement says the online conversations with the minister were sexually explicit in nature.

The statement says officers asked Barron on May 6 for an
in-person rendezvous in Bryan, where Barron was arrested.

Inside his car alongside a hymnal, officers found a box of condoms and a Web camera, which police say they think was intended as a present for the teenage girl Barron expected to meet.

Mike Buster, the executive pastor of the 20,000-member church, issued a statement Friday in which he said, “We are disturbed and saddened by the reports we have heard and we are praying for the Barron family. We are fully cooperating with the police in their investigation.”

Barron’s bond was set at $7,000.

He’s the 12th person Bryan police have arrested for online solicitation of minors since 2006.
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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Waco on May 19, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Men/Women in leadership roles at church can and should only be in the pulpit if they are called by God only. If they are just filling a position they need to step down. I agree totally with Craig and Cliff. I pray that people do not turn their backs on God because of a fallen individual. People will let you down, preachers can let you down, that is why you need to know the Word of God for yourself. Satan knows the bible as well as God. Why do you think that Satan knows how to lure people in? Why do you think that their is so much sin? Because Satan makes it fun. Just because you are a Christian doesn't make you perfect and untouchable by Satan, just the opposite, that is who Satan targets to make them fall so unbelievers can say "I told you so". You are judged by God as an individual not by the preacher. Only by the saving grace of Jesus Christ will you enter in the gates of Heaven. Don't follow man follow Jesus Christ.
Posted by: Me Location: here on May 19, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Churches are dins of sin, just like everywhere else. They just act pious and holy while they sin. At least us heathens are honest about it.
Posted by: Saddened Location: Central Texas on May 19, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Have you seen Dateline "To Catch A Preditor"? It isn't just misinters getting tied up in sin, it is military, business men, teachers, coaches, scout leaders, librarians, politicians, officers, medical personel, and people from all walks of life. You might as well become a recluse and never leave home so you don't worry about being around sick weirdos that do horrible stuff because our society is filled with that type of person. I'm not going to condone what that man was intending to do, he was wrong and should be punished, and I'm glad he was caught before he made a victim of a young child, but be warned that there are more out there, and they aren't just in our churches! My husband and father are both preachers and have never done such a thing, so don't condemn them with the cluster! "If a hypocrite stands between you and God, that hypocrite is closer to God than you are!" Sure church isn't required for salvation, but don't condemn all churches for the sins of a few.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: belton on May 19, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Why does society think that just because they are leaders in the church that they are not going to make mistakes. We are all human. No matter what religion or what position they hold in the church the enemy will put things in front of us and we all make a desicion. He made the wrong desicion. Now he will have to pay for that mistake. Don't judge everyone for one mans mistake
Posted by: rick Location: waco on May 19, 2008 at 01:21 PM
i never meant that he made a mistake, i meant as far as chuch goers are concerned or anybody else that we are all sinners and just because someone screws up it does not mean that every body else is bad and so what im saying is if i buy a bag of apples and i find a bad one in the bag i dont go an thro the whole bag away. most of the comments i read were tearing down the churchs,i was just saying if a person reads their bible they would know which church was good or bad
Posted by: I'm Here Location: Temple on May 19, 2008 at 12:59 PM
He needs to be slapped with a mach 3, with no guard. and then dipped in alcohol. Dude why dont you try your little theory, and let us know, if it works then we can make it a show on msnbc. Alot of people will now make this an excuse not to go to church on sundays, he doesnt represent all the christians just his sick self!
Posted by: dude Location: texas on May 19, 2008 at 09:29 AM
anybody could do these stings on the computer, if it were done a lot more i think it would at least make the pedophiles think twice. concerned citizens and parents can do thier own sting operation, and when the idiot shows up at the meeting location you can take down his license number and get a photo of him, then you can say to the idiot the info will be given to the cops. it will totally ruin the idiots day and just might get him to stop.
Posted by: ginny Location: central texas on May 18, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Rich how in GOD name can you say what this man did was a mistake? are you stupid he knew exactly what he was doing he was a predator period no questions asked. he needs to be jail and all the others like him should be jailed.GOD BLESS the CHILDREN
Posted by: gladiknow Location: plano on May 18, 2008 at 01:59 AM
Hypocrite,Liar,perverts, Murder. Of course. that's the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus hung with Sinners... social outcasts, the broken...the least. The Prostitute. The Gay. The Begger. But ONLY if they were 100% Broken and Honest about it. Paul wrote most of the New Testament and was Open about being the Chief of Sinners. As always, both sides miss the Gospel. Prestonwood like most churches produce a place where people go, sit, listen, and leave. No one ever gets real. It's just not a place that's ok to be NOT ok. That's called Religion. God hates it. The seculars point to the failers of the Religious (inevitible) as an excuse to make them think better of themselves. Another straight passage to Hell. The Thief on the cross got it right. But that takes being honest. And broken. Jesus died for those that new they were and ARE a sinner and dont pretend (for money, status, ego... etc) that they are not. No one is capable of perfection. Enter Jesus. 2k yrs later and few get it. I am worse.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 18, 2008 at 12:12 AM
and people say bad things about this polygamist group in west texas! oh the joys and sins accessible by the internet. if it wasnt for the internet, would he just be sitting at home reading his bible instead of finding sins thru the internet?
Posted by: Zenaida Location: Waco on May 17, 2008 at 08:41 PM
You hit the nail on the head, Cliff. If I allow one man's actions to interfere with my relationship to God, then the devil got two souls with one stone, mine and the preacher's. We have to stop blaming God for the rotten things people choose to do.
Posted by: Cliff Location: Waco on May 17, 2008 at 06:31 PM
I am praying for these people. But if I were to allow one person's actions to condem me for the rest of my life i am at fault. If i were a member of that church i would probably be the first to stand and rally the troups. Yes i am sad because satan has scored another victory. Does that mean that we give up and walk away? I believe not. We stand and we fight the good fight of faith every step of the way. What he did was wrong. He should and will be punished in more ways than one. God bless his church,and God bless his family. There are people out there that are going to attack his church and his family with words and violence. And that shows their ignorance.
Posted by: lilone Location: waco on May 17, 2008 at 06:23 PM
How did we get on being christian? This idiot is a B A P T I S T!!!!!!
Posted by: DD Location: ZZ on May 17, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Next step is for the State of Texas to raid this church and take custody of the children to protect from any further possible abuse by members of the church that might be like this guy.
Posted by: Anita Location: Temple on May 17, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Well said Christa, Craig and ginger. Rick, most Christians do read their bible at home too.~~~ To { patriot reality check bounced } AKA "Condemned in Texas"...now we know why your're condemned!! lol
Posted by: Jimmy Location: Belton on May 17, 2008 at 07:08 AM
What a terrible thing.
Posted by: Christa Location: Gatesville on May 16, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Not all Christians are like this pervert. So please don't deny coming to church because of one person. Yes there are hypocrites in the Christian faith, just like society as a whole. He will be punished in the highest form for what he has done. But it isnt right for anyone to think that Christians are "Yucky". Find Christ yourself and save yourself. God Bless You!
Posted by: Craig on May 16, 2008 at 08:40 PM
I am saddened and shocked by the hypocrisy of this man's actions. I am also a Prestonwood member. I know he will suffer and his family will suffer the consequences of his actions.He will lose his job and possibly go to jail and rightfully so. But what is also sad is that people will use this as an excuse not to experience the saving grace of the Lord our God. If that is the case for you then Satan has won. Then not only does this man suffer and suffer he will but you suffer as well.
Posted by: ginny Location: cove on May 16, 2008 at 06:09 PM
scum bag!!!!!
Posted by: Rick Location: waco on May 16, 2008 at 06:03 PM
it just goes to show that we are all human, we all make mistakes and we are all sinners. you need to read the bible for your self instead of going to church and just listening, i guess thats why there are so many different churches around most people just take someones word for something in stead of finding out for theirself
Posted by: tired Location: Central Texas on May 16, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Ginger said it right! and no it is not always just the christians!!! PLEASE!!!
Posted by: Cindy Location: Tempe AZ on May 16, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Darn right the media reports more about religious figures when they get busted for crimes like this, and they should. People need to see that these so-called "Men of God" are the worst kind of hypocrites, because they preach hellfire and damnation against people whose views don't conform to their narrow interpretation of the Bible and yet they're sneaking around doing worse than the people they're condemning. It's always the Christians, no matter which particular religion it is.
Posted by: A mother of 2 Location: Texas on May 16, 2008 at 03:49 PM
My children also learn about God at home. I don't need a child molester, drunk, drug user or any of the other things a lot of "preachers" are guilty of, teaching me or my children anything. I don't trust anyone anymore. His church should pray for him, because he will be answering to a higher power in a matter of time. On the other hand I will be praying for any victims he may have out there.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 16, 2008 at 03:49 PM
People put too much stock in preist and preachers,remember they are no better than the rest of us,this proves it once again
Posted by: ginger Location: waco on May 16, 2008 at 03:15 PM
I am in no way condoning the actions of this minister, but to put in another perspective, if the president of the bank where I do business was arrested on these charges would that make me change banks and decide that everyone at that bank was guilty by association? There are many places we go and people we deal with day after day and we will never know what is in their heart. My service and devotion to Jesus and Jehovah have nothing to do with the actions of others. If I were a member of that church I would be praying for everyone involved and also for the ones that this story will cause to discredit good people.
Posted by: Rachel Location: Temple on May 16, 2008 at 03:11 PM
I think that it is true that all professions have perverted non-trustworthy people. However, I am amazed that some professions - the helping ones - such as ministers, psychologists, social workers, etc. seem to be a magnet for these individuals. I think that many times the profession becomes a mask behind which they can hide their perversion in a cloak of respectibility. Personally, when I hear minister, my redflags go up immediately and ask and how are you dysfunctional?
Posted by: whocares Location: centex on May 16, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Finally they caught a baptist and not a catholic. I've always said it doesn't matter what faith they are. They need to put this on national news. Show the country its not just the catholics that are doing this to our children.
Posted by: mc Location: Temple on May 16, 2008 at 01:46 PM
No ALWAYS a man of the cloth. There are plenty of deviants in ALL walks of life, all socioeconomic levels and all professions. I do believe, though, that the media tends to report more on those associated with churches, especially when it comes to crimes of this nature.
Posted by: confused Location: Waco on May 16, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Here again a member of society that we teach our children to trust...
Posted by: PM Location: Gville on May 16, 2008 at 01:30 PM
And people ask me why I do not go to church!!?? He is the perfect example. I have no room in my life for Religious Hypocrisy.
Posted by: Me Location: here on May 16, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Christians are sick people. Yucky!
Posted by: MOM Location: BELTON on May 16, 2008 at 01:13 PM
This is why my kids will learn about god at home. You can't trust your kids with noone... SICKOOOOOOOOOO'S!!!!!!
Posted by: patriot reality check Location: bounced on May 16, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Maybe he was just doing research like that Minister!!!!! LOL Also funny that they are praying for him! At least their not having to pray for one of his victims! Guess ALL religions do have one thing in common!
Posted by: book Location: waco on May 16, 2008 at 12:55 PM
ALWAYS a man from the cloth. I will do my church at home thanks. Be glad it was not my daughter you THOUGHT you were coming to meet.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 16, 2008 at 12:53 PM
SICKO!
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